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Majors & Degrees

Specialized Subject-Area Education

A degree in a specialized subject area enables educators to share their creative passions with the next generation. The development of practical classroom teaching skills with hands-on training in the pedagogy of the respective field of study will empower teachers in building effective curricula to engage a diverse range of students in K-12 school settings in intellectual and social growth.

The MC Experience

Specialized Subject-Area Education majors, seeking to obtain a K-12 educator license, complete a curriculum that emphasizes a strong, liberal arts background. The array of coursework in these programs provides critical background knowledge and skills for the education major along with specialized knowledge for the chosen specialized subject area. Specialized Subject-Area Education majors choose from the following areas: Art Education, Vocal Music Education, Instrumental Music Education, Physical Education.

Once candidates complete the University Core and Interdisciplinary requirements, they are enrolled in the more specific Professional Education courses. Our program framework is grounded in standards put forth by the Mississippi Department of Education, the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Field Experience

The geographic location of Mississippi College provides a variety of settings for field experiences. Located just ten miles west of the state capital, our partner school districts range from the largest urban school district in Mississippi to much smaller rural districts. Teacher candidates learn how to work with students from many culturally diverse communities, as well as, experience a variety of teaching, learning, and behavior styles throughout their various field and clinical experiences.

Choose Your Focus

Grades K – 12 Licensure

This focus will allow candidates to teach in their specialized subject area in grades Kindergarten through High School upon completion.

Art

This focus will allow students to teach art classes upon completion. Possible courses include painting and drawing.

Music – Instrumental

This focus will allow students to teach music classes upon completion. Possible courses include piano and guitar.

Music – Voice/Piano

This focus will allow students to teach music classes upon completion. Possible classes include piano and singing lessons.

Physical Education

This focus will allow students to teach physical education courses upon completion. Students will learn the basics of human anatomy and kinesiology. 

Student reading a book in the library

As a Specialized Subject-Area Education major, your curriculum will include:

  • Foundational courses in the humanities, natural science, math, social studies, fine arts, religion and physical education
  • Introduction to education
  • Educational psychology 
  • Directed teaching 
  • Required subject-matter specialization in your chosen area of licensure

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Since 1996, more than 94 percent of MC’s graduates have successfully taken the PRAXIS II Examination, the test leading to teacher licensure. Today, Mississippi College serves more than 350 undergraduates enrolled in programs leading to teacher licensure. Our teacher education graduates continue to enjoy exemplary rates of job placement throughout the state.

Outstanding Alumni

  • Susan Lindsay is the Headmaster at Jackson Prep
  • Tim Martin is Assistant Superintendent of Clinton Public Schools
  • Dr. Tom Burnham is the Mississippi State Superintendent of Education

Take the next step

We’d love to connect with you to help you begin your journey to becoming a
Mississippi College graduate. Visit campus, request info, or apply today.

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